Some Fun Ways to Stay Healthy in a New England Summer
As New Englanders, we know we need to make the very most of these summer months since they don't last all year long! We know how important it is for our physical and mental health to be active and be outdoors, so we wanted to give you all some ideas for fun activities to do this summer. Especially if you are dealing with pain, it can make it hard to find activities that you enjoy without over-exerting your body too much. But luckily enough, there are plenty of low-stress, fun ways to keep your body moving in these hot summer months that are a guaranteed way to get you outside and enjoying the season! Follow along below for some fun, local ideas to stay active with your family and friends that you could try today (that does not involve an over-crowded beach!):
1. Go for a Hike with Family/Friends (The Newport Cliffwalk)
With nice weather, a hike in the mountains or in the woods can be a perfect way to get some exercise AND get in some quality family time. Look online to find some good hiking spots in your area, and plan a trip! There are many different types of hikes so you can find what you are looking for whether it's a flat terrain, or if you are looking for a more intense climb! There's something for everyone nearby. One of the best and easiest is the Newport Cliff Walk! Here is a place to check out other local hikes: click here.
2. Have a Day in the Park!
Rhode Island is full of some great local parks where you can swim, walk, play games, grill, or just enjoy a picnic with your friends (even the furry ones!) The beach can get overcrowded with tourists, so now is a great time to grab some friends and have a wonderful day being outdoors and getting active! Exercise does not have to be a boring trip to the gym, but a game of soccer or a walk with friends where you won't even realize how much you are working! SOme great local parks are Goddard Park in Warwick and Ninagret Park in Charlestown.
3. Try Paddle Boarding/Kayaking
If you’re looking to try a new water sport this summer, it doesn’t have to be Olympic-level surfing or water skiing (unless you are into that, of course!). Try some low-intensity paddle boarding, kayaking, or even canoeing, and you will be guaranteed to feel like you got a great workout after. These types of lowkey water activities have you using your arm and core muscles, and you might not even realize it. Plus, they are a blast to try out with friends! There are many spots in RI to try this although one of the most fun spots to try this would be on Block Island, if you really want to make a day of it. Just don't forget your sunscreen!
4. Go for a fun bike ride!
Bike riding is a great way to not only get some exercise and fresh air but also to explore new areas that you haven’t seen before. There are so many areas around New England that are bike-friendly, so you should take advantage and hop on a set of wheels! Bike riding will not only have you utilizing your legs but your arms and your core as well. Just be aware of traffic laws and make sure you wear a helmet to ensure maximum safety. There are plenty of bike paths in the state too to ensure your safety and also to make you aware of how far you are going!
5. Go for a beach walk
If you aren’t in the mood for water activities or bike riding, simply going for daily or evening walks is just as special. We recommend walking to a lot of our chronic pain patients so they can stay active while taking it easy on their body, especially when undergoing treatment. This is great especially during those summer evenings right after you’ve finished dinner and it is still light outside, as walking helps with digestion and takes away that uneasy, too-full feeling if you’ve just had a big dinner. It’s a great way to unplug if you need some alone time, and bringing some headphones and listening to your favorite music as you stroll around is sometimes the best medicine if you just need to be alone with your thoughts. There are so many gorgeous views in Rhode Island, we recommend catching a sunrise/sunset!
It’s important to always find new and creative ways to stay active no matter what time of year it is, as you don’t always need to go to a boxing class or run a marathon to get your blood flowing. If you are hesitant to try new activities because you are dealing with chronic mystery pain and discomfort, it might be time to give us a call. If you would like to get back to enjoying the outdoors pain-free, give us a call at 401.602.7006 or drop us a note online here. We look forward to hearing from you so we can get you back to enjoying these lovely summer days. Most importantly, stay healthy, new england!